Category: Minutes

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – July 5, 2016

The July meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on July 5, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Kent, K9KMD.

President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. There were none present.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty people were in attendance for the meeting.

President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, and if you are not receiving the newsletter via email, you should notify Jerry. Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the June meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. John, KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Joe, N9OK. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4668.60 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 91 plus 1 associate member. Dave, NT9E made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Dave, KD9ESL. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, Jim reminded the group that the W9DXCC Convention will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Woodfield in Schaumburg, preceded on the 16th by DX and Contest University sessions. See W9DXCC.com for further details.

It was noted that the Peoria Hamfest is the same weekend as the W9DXCC Convention. Also mentioned was the upcoming hamfest at Aurora CC High School on Sunday July 10 sponsored by the FRRL group.

Jeff, KC9WSJ, has previously volunteered to take over the position of club librarian. The material has been cataloged and a list of available material is on the club website. Members wishing to check out material should contact Jeff in advance so he can bring the requested material to the monthly meeting. It was noted that there are several old, out of date license manuals in the collection. Tom, W9NBG made a motion to give the old license manuals to anyone interested. The motion was seconded by Gary, KD9FML and approved by voice vote.

Further on the topic of announcements, several contests and operating events of interest were discussed. See the newsletter and QST for further details.

Under the topic of Old Business, President Jim thanked the members of the club that participated in providing communications for the Woodstock Challenge Run in June.

There was no new business brought before the club.

President Jim invited everyone to join the group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.

On the topic of future programs, N9OK felt that a presentation on DX Clusters would be of interest to the group.

Mike, KC9Q showed the latest product to his SAL-electronics.com product line, a 6 meter Halo antenna

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by John, K5JRD and seconded by Jeff, KC9WSJ was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 pm.

After a short break, Roger, KF9D gave a summary and wrap-up on the MCWA field day that was held June 25/26, 2016 at Emricson Park, Woodstock.

Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – June 7, 2016

The June meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on June 7, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US.

President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. There were none present.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty-one people were in attendance for the meeting.

President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the May meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Kent, K9KMD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4628.22 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 90 plus 1 associate member. John, K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Glenn, K9GLN. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, Jim noted that VE testing, hamfest and Dxpedition calendars are well covered in the club newsletter by Jerry, N9AVY. Contact Jerry if you are not receiving the newsletter via email.

Regarding public service, in exchange for the use of the shelter Emricson Park for Field Day, MCWA has agreed to provide communications for the Woodstock Challenge Run on June 11. Ken KB9I volunteered to coordinate the communications event for the club. Eight club members had previously volunteered to assist in the event.

Further announcements, Jim reminded the group that the W9DXCC Convention will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Woodfield in Schaumburg, preceded on the 16th by DX and Contest University sessions. See W9DXCC.com for further details.

The most recent VE test session resulted in 2 passing license exams, one for Technician and one for Extra class licenses. John,

K9JK informed the group that the Central States VHF Society will hold its annual conference in Rochester, Mn. at the end of July. John also has tickets available for purchase for the Six Meter Club of Chicago hamfest at the Dupage Co. Fairgrounds to be held on June 19th.

Jeff, KC9WSJ, has previously volunteered to take over the position of club librarian. The material has been cataloged and a list of available material is on the club website. Members wishing to check out material should contact Jeff in advance so he can bring the requested material to the monthly meeting.

A brief update on the recent Dayton Hamvention was given by several members that attended.

Under the topic of Old Business, the new constitution requires that 2 positions be filled on the Board of Directors for the club. President Jim had nominated Dave, KA9OZP to chair the nominating committee with the assistance of the current officers. Dave presented two candidates for the positions; John, KA9CAR for a one year term expiring September 2017, and Jack, W9MU for a two year term expiring September 2018. Following these nominations, President Jim asked for further nominations from the floor. There were none. John, K9JK moved the nominations be closed, seconded by Joe, N9OK. The motion passed by voice vote. President Jim declared both nominees elected to the board for the terms noted above.

President Jim invited everyone to join the group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.

There was no new business

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by Al, KB9EQ and seconded by Joe, K9DMV was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

After a short break, Roger, KF9D gave a presentation on the plans for the MCWA field day to be held June 25/26, 2016 at Emricson Park, Woodstock.

Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

The February meeting was canceled due to weather.

John Dewey KA9CAR: Call to order
Welcome to MCWA
Pledge of allegiance Dave (NT9E)
Introduction of new president, Mike WB8BZK

Mike Metroka WB8BZK:
Big Thank You to outgoing President, Officers & BOD Member
Introductions of incoming Officers and BOD Member
President – Mike Metroka (WB9BZK)
Vice President – Mike Ricketts (ND9G)
Treasure – Joe Robin (N9OK)
Secretary – Dan Larson (KD9AHQ)
Director – Roger Scott (KF9D)
Director – Jack Hudson (W9MU)
Past President – John Dewey (KA9CAR)

We held an Officer/BOD Transition Meeting to help quickly bring on the new members and to review roles and responsibilities of the various positions
Welcome to guests and/or visitors – 2 visitors Ralph (WB9ICF) Jerry (KC9TLM)
Any License Upgrades since last meeting?
Introductions  round table style
Please sign in on the forms going around
Roger KF9D’s secretary’s minutes posted on http://www.mcwa.org/minutes.htm  motion to approve (K9JK) And second (N9OK)
Joe N9OK’s treasurer’s report Starting of $4575.72 dues $10 expense $200 ARRL insurance postage reimbursement $7.08 interest earned $0.35 balance of $4378.99 remain at 90 members – motion to approve And second?
Jeff KC9WSJ – club library There is a link on the web site.
Club reflector – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9RN/
Jerry N9AVY publishes club newsletter which includes info on VE testing info, ham fests, contests, & DXpeditions.
We are in need of someone to head up our newsletter. It doesn’t have to be as extensive as Jerry’s works of art.
MCWA dues ($10) for 2017-18 are now being collected. See Joe N9OK
Tom W9NBG is our new Program Chair. Please contact Tom or any Officer if you would be interested in making a presentation at one of our future club meetings.

Announcements
Fifty hams to Puerto Rico to help out with Hurricane relief
SATURN recruiting people for hurricane relief support as well. (KA9CAR)
Jamboree On The Air: John KA9CAR and other will be operating from the Crystal Lake Boy Scouts of America shop on the afternoon of Saturday October 21. Everyone is welcome to drop by. On route 31 north of Crystal lake from 1-3 PM 600 N. Illinois Crystal Lake. KD9ESL will be doing it out of his house
Mike (WB8BZK) found a camporee at veterans acers 200 + scouts. Will get more information to give to Gary (KD9FML) more info will be sent out to K9RN reflector.
New ham bands 630 and 2200 meters bands need to sign up FCC registration page.
Dave (NT9E) QRZ page will give your lat long for this info.
All encouraged to register.
Ham fest/Conference reports/announcements (W9DXCC)
MCWA monthly breakfast 1st Saturday every month. Green Street Cafe.
Facebook page Dave will get data IE screen shot will be sent to Mike (WB8BZK)
MCWA VE Testing (KB9OLD)MCWB Club Wear Just For You just4ucustom.com Send Scott Carter email.
6 Meter net AKA EN52 net 50.180 USB 1 year anniversary Pierre K9EYE Wed 7:30 to 8:30
Portillo and other pre dinner 5:15 all invited
MCWA Badges $10
NT9E report on monthly breakfast in McHenry
Algonquin Area Ham Breakfast being planned for the end of October TBD October 28th 8AM Golden Corral in Algonquin Ask for comments on band conditions or any interesting contacts
Contest Calendar  Mike WB8BZK
Mike presented list of contest from OCT 4th to NOV 6.
Lots went to W9DXCC was a good time. Around 240 people well attended
Boon county expo – no water no food truck
HRO SuperFest less venders than previous lots of programs were good.
Oct 26 and 27th in Reno NV AMSAT
4th Nov Milwaukee at Elks lodge down from HRO
FT Wayne IN HAM FEST
Great lakes HAM com international speed way.
Other Announcements of interest to the club?

Old business
Thank you note sent to KE9FG for donations
Received 3 QSLs for Field Day on 6meter MIKE will add RST
MCWA Monthly Newsletter Jerry has been done since 78 and 80.

New business
Field Day: Not too early to start planning. We may need to consider a new venue due to the RF Noise Level
Who is interested in FD?
Overall FD Chairperson?
CW Station Leader?
Phone Station Leader?
VHF Station Leader?
Submission & Bonus Points Coordinator?
Any other new business?
New 10GHZ beacon installed south western DeKalb county LEE IL

Any Show and Tell?
Kits and part .com built a 20 and 30 meter 1 watt QRP K9FS.CC page has information.
KC9TLM – 6 meter HENtenna Japanese for strange antenna.
Invitation to pizza and continued discussion  The Cottage, Crystal Lake Ave
After the break we’ll have our Program: Jack W9MU RTTY: Operation and Contesting
Motion to adjourn? Mike (ND9G) And second Dave (NT9E) 20:03
5 – 10 minute Break
Program

Subject: Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2017

The monthly September meeting was called to order by President John KA9CAR at 7:01 p.m. on September 5, 2017 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

K9RUF led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

President John asked if any visitors were present and Dean, WD9FOO from Algonquin and Warren, KC9IL from Buffalo Grove were introduced to the group.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty-eight people were in attendance for the meeting.

President John encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, who has announced his retirement from publishing in December. A replacement editor is being sought.

The minutes from the August meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave, NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Kent, K9KMD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4575.72 in the club treasury, including $272.29 paid on field day expenses. Paid membership for 2017 stood at 90 at the beginning of the meeting. Jim, N7US made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Mike ND9G. The motion passed by voice vote.

Jeff, KC9WSJ, custodian of the club library, reported that the new books donated last month by K9JKM will be inventoried and made available for loan.

President John also reminded the group that a Program Chairman is still being sought, and encouraged members with program ideas to email them to a board member. Tom, W9NBG offered to co-chair if another member would assist.

The club constitution states that election of officers will be held at the September meeting. Jim, N7US is the appointed nominating committee chairman, and along with the 2 directors W9MU and K9EYE, comprise the nominating committee. Jim confirmed that a quorum of paid members were present to conduct elections. Jim presented a slate of candidates for the open positions: President WB8BZK, Vice-President ND9G, Secretary KD9AHQ, Treasurer N9OK, and Director KF9D. Jim then invited nominations from the floor for the positions. KD9FML was nominated for President, but declined the nomination. Since no other nominations were made, a vote was taken on all candidates at once. The vote was unanimous and the officers were declared elected by acclimation.

A VE test session held on August 15th at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock yielded no licensees.

Dave, NT9E reported that the McHenry breakfast on the first Saturday of September at the Green Street Café was attended by 13 people.

The members were reminded of the weekly 6 meter net on Wednesday night at 7-9 pm on 50.180 MHz.

An upcoming contest summary was given by Mike, WB8BZK, with September being the unofficial start of the fall contest season. The major September contests include CQWW RTTY, WAE DX SSB, BARTG RTTY Sprint, State QSO Parties in 7 states, ARRL VHF 6 m and up, EME Weekend, ARRL 10 GHz and up, and the VHF Fall Sprints. See QST for full details.

President John reported that 3 QSLs for 6 meters Field Day contacts had been received for K9RN.

Former member Robert Tirk, KE9FG has donated a Kenwood TM221 2 meter radio and an Alinco DX70 HF radio to the club. President John suggested that the equipment be considered part of the library and be temporarily loaned out to members or new hams having a need for it.

Jack W9MU reminded members of the upcoming Contest University and DX University events to be held in conjunction with the W9DXCC Convention at the Schaumburg Hyatt Regency on Sept 15-16.

For Show and Tell, Paul W9DWP showed a Tytera dual band DMR radio. Paul also announced that the 2 meter VARA repeater has a new antenna and greatly improved coverage on 146.79 Mhz.

The club was reminded of upcoming hamfests at Belvedere on September 23rd and the Peoria Superfest on September 16-17.

Ed, K9TX has a Yaesu SWR and power meter and an MFJ 259 antenna analyzer as part of an estate sale.

Everyone was invited to enjoy pizza at the Cottage restaurant following the meeting.

A program is needed for next month. Following a suggestion from the members, Jack W9MU volunteered to do a program on RTTY and RTTY contesting.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by K9JK and seconded by K9KMD. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 pm.

After a short break, the club heard a program on digital modes JT65 and FT8 from Dave NT9E and Gary KD9FML. Gary also gave a demonstration of the modes by operating his home station remotely and making several contacts.

Respectfully Submitted,
Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary